COP28: Shaping a Sustainable Future

The 28th Conference of the Parties, known as COP28, marks another significant milestone in the global effort to address climate change. Building on the achievements and lessons learned from previous conferences, COP28 brings together nations, leaders, and stakeholders to chart a course towards a more sustainable and resilient future. This year’s summit was held in Dubai from 30th November until 12th December 2023.

Those present at COP28 are the countries that signed up to the original UN climate agreement in 1992. The overarching goal of this year’s conference is that world leaders will contribute to sustaining the objective of restricting long-term global temperature increases to 1.5°C, a consensus reached by nearly 200 nations in Paris in 2015.

The first global stocktake is scheduled to wrap up during this event. This comprehensive evaluation enables countries and stakeholders to assess collective progress in aligning with the objectives of the Paris Climate Change Agreement and identify areas where advancements are lacking. It is evident that we are falling short of the trajectory needed to restrict global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

With the evolving understanding of climate change and sustainable technologies ,there is a need for countries to reassess and enhance their contributions to global climate goals. As well as commitment to the Paris Agreement, COP28 will focus on several other initiatives in the hope of reducing climate change, such as accelerating the transition to clean energy sources to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions before 2030, and facilitating financial support for climate action, shifting resources from wealthier to less affluent nations, and crafting a new agreement for developing countries.

It is likely that COP28 will undoubtedly face challenges surrounding topics such as fossil fuels and capital, however, these challenges will hopefully also present opportunities for nations to demonstrate leadership, embrace innovation, and work together to create a more sustainable and equitable future.

As COP28 unfolds, we’re sure everyone will be hoping for ambitious agreements and tangible actions that address the urgent challenges posed by climate change. The outcomes of this conference will not only shape the trajectory of global efforts to combat climate change but will also influence the well-being of future generations.